Space Science: Ghana just launched its first space satellite and it was built by college students

The GhanaSat-1 was developed by students at the All Nation’s University College (ANUC) in Ghana's Eastern Region with support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Ghana on Friday launched its first satellite into orbit, joining a host of other countries in space science.

The GhanaSat-1 was developed by students at the All Nation’s University College (ANUC) in Ghana's Eastern Region with support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The project was valued at $500,000.

 

READ MORE: Ghana launches first space satellite into orbit

Benefits to Ghana?

Technical engineer of GhanaSat-1 satellite, Ernest Matey, says space science has diverse impact on the nation’s economy, education and technology.

 

He told Radio Ghana on Friday: “First, I believe for the pride of it that Ghana has also entered into space. It is enough heritage for the country.”

He also noted that it opens the doors for more technological exploit.

“Space science opens for more technological exploit for which we believe that this first satellite will open doors for it,” he said.

Matey said another benefit Ghana could get from space science is “capacity building” in satellite building.

 

He further says it will “bring to the educational system that value of science and technology which student will be trained on how to build satellite.

 “We hope that from today onward, a group of engineers will be trained and groomed to build the GhanaSat-2,” he said.

READ MORE: Benefits Ghana could derive from space science

GhanaSat-1 will be used to monitor the nation’s coastline for mapping purposes, and to build capacity in space science and technology, he said.

It could also be used in monitoring illegal mining activities in some mining areas, he added.

Meanwhile Ghana's president, Nana Akufo-Addo, has congratulated the engineer's behind the satellite launch in a statement to the press.

 

He also commended the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency for its support in the satellite launch.

The GhanaSat-1 was developed by students at the All Nation’s University College (ANUC) in Ghana's Eastern Region with support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Read Full Story